Walter Tavares, Lamar Patterson put up big numbers in D-League stint

The Atlanta Hawks are expected to recall Walter Tavares and Lamar Patterson from the D-League before Sunday's 6 p.m. tip against the Utah Jazz. Tavares and Patterson saw action in two games for the Austin Spurs and put up big numbers in a pair of victories.

Austin defeated Oklahoma City 110-104 Saturday night thanks to big nights from Tavares and Patterson. Tavares used his size advantage well and finished with 18 points, 17 rebounds and five blocked shots. He was 7 of 10 from the field and a perfect 4 of 4 from the free throw line. Patterson did a little bit of everything finishing with 19 points, six rebounds and seven assists. He was 6 for 14 from the field and 5 of 9 from the free throw line.

In two games with the Spurs, Tavares averaged 16 points on 71 percent shooting to go along with 14.5 rebounds and 4.5 blocks. Patterson averaged 15 points per game, seven rebounds and six assists. He shot 46 percent from the field and 38 percent from three-point range.

Both are likely to see more time in the D-League as the season goes on. Atlanta likes to use D-League assignments as opportunities to get much-needed court time for players that are not part of the regular rotation. Tavares and Patterson performed well and that is exactly what you hope for in these situations.